How to Collect and Showcase Client Reviews (Without Being Annoying)

Every salon owner knows reviews matter. They're the first thing potential clients check before booking. But asking for reviews feels pushy, and most clients won't leave one unless you ask.

Here's how to collect reviews consistently without making it weird.

Why Reviews Matter More Than Ever

Before booking with a new salon, most clients check online reviews. A salon with 100 five-star reviews will beat one with 10 reviews every time, even if the quality is identical.

Reviews do three things for your business:

1. Build trust – Social proof from real clients matters more than anything you say about yourself
2. Improve visibility – More reviews = higher Google ranking = more people finding you
3. Provide feedback – Reviews tell you what's working and what needs improvement

The Psychology of Asking

Most people are happy to leave a review—they just forget. Your job isn't to convince them; it's to make it easy and remind them at the right moment.

The right moment is when they're happiest: right after a great haircut, while they're looking in the mirror, before they leave the chair.

The wrong moment: days later via email, when they've moved on with their life.

Building Your Review System

Step 1: Create a Direct Link

Make it one click to leave a review. No searching, no confusion.

For Google:

1. Search for your business on Google
2. Click "Write a review"
3. Copy that URL
4. Use a URL shortener to clean it up (like bit.ly)

Now you have a simple link to share anywhere.

Step 2: The In-Person Ask

This is where most reviews come from. After the service, when the client is happy:

"Hey, if you have a minute later, a Google review would really help us out. I'll text you the link."

That's it. Keep it casual. Don't be salesy.

Key elements:

• Ask while they're still there (but don't make them do it on the spot)
• Mention you'll send the link (removes friction)
• Keep it brief and natural

Step 3: The Follow-Up Text

Within an hour of the appointment, send:

"Thanks for coming in today! If you have a sec, here's our Google review link: [Link]. Means a lot!"

Short, personal, with the link right there. No essay needed.

Step 4: Automate When Possible

If you use booking software like Vinci 26, you can set up automatic review requests that go out after every appointment. This removes the awkwardness entirely—the system asks so you don't have to.

Automatic messages should:

• Go out 1-2 hours after the appointment
• Include the direct review link
• Feel personal, not robotic
• Have an easy opt-out

What NOT to Do

Don't Offer Incentives

"Leave a review and get 10% off your next visit" violates Google's guidelines. If caught, you could lose all your reviews and damage your ranking.

More importantly, it cheapens the reviews. Authentic reviews from real clients are more valuable than paid ones.

Don't Ask Everyone Every Time

If a client has already left a review, don't ask again. Keep track of who has reviewed so you're not pestering regulars.

Don't Ask Unhappy Clients

If someone seems dissatisfied, fix the problem first. Asking an unhappy client for a review is asking for a bad review.

Don't Ignore Negative Reviews

They happen. Respond professionally, acknowledge the issue, and offer to make it right. A thoughtful response to a negative review shows potential clients you care.

Responding to Reviews

Every review deserves a response. Yes, even the positive ones.

For Positive Reviews:

"Thank you so much, [Name]! We loved having you in and can't wait to see you next time."

Personal, brief, genuine. Use their name. Mention something specific if possible.

For Negative Reviews:

Never get defensive. Even if the client is wrong.

"Hi [Name], I'm sorry to hear this wasn't the experience you expected. We'd love to make it right. Please call us at [number] so we can sort this out."

This shows future clients you handle problems professionally.

Timing

Respond within 24-48 hours. Quick responses signal that you're engaged and attentive.

Showcasing Your Reviews

Collecting reviews is half the battle. Now display them where they matter.

On Your Website

• Dedicated testimonials page
• Key quotes on the homepage
• Star rating prominently displayed

On Social Media

• Screenshot great reviews and share them (with client permission)
• Create simple graphics featuring review quotes
• Share the love in your stories

In Your Shop

• Print your best reviews and frame them
• Display your Google rating at the front desk
• QR code linking to your reviews

On Your Booking Page

Some booking platforms display reviews directly. If yours does, make sure it's enabled.

Dealing with Fake or Unfair Reviews

Sometimes you'll get a review from someone who was never a client, or a review that's clearly unfair.

For Fake Reviews:

1. Flag the review for Google as a policy violation
2. Respond publicly noting you have no record of their visit
3. Report to Google support if flagging doesn't work

Google doesn't always remove them quickly, but persistence helps.

For Unfair Reviews:

Even if you disagree, respond professionally. Other readers will see your calm, professional response and judge accordingly.

Metrics to Track

Monthly review count: How many new reviews are you getting?

Average rating: Track changes over time. Are you improving?

Response rate: Are you responding to every review?

Conversion impact: Are more new clients mentioning reviews as how they found you?

Quick-Start Checklist

1. Today: Create your short Google review link
2. Today: Add the link to your phone for easy sharing
3. This week: Ask 5 clients for reviews using the in-person method
4. This week: Respond to any reviews you haven't responded to
5. This month: Set up automatic review requests in your booking software
6. Ongoing: Track your monthly review count and average rating

The Long Game

Building a strong review profile takes time. You won't go from 10 to 100 reviews overnight.

But if you consistently ask, thoughtfully respond, and make it easy for clients, reviews will compound. In a year, you could have dozens of new five-star reviews—all from simply asking at the right moment.

The salons dominating local search aren't necessarily better. They just ask for reviews more consistently.

Start today. Ask your next client. Make it a habit.

Your future self will thank you.